Shelby Hayes Archives

Rice women’s basketball built an early lead and held on, surviving a late rally from BYU to advance in the WNIT.

Despite playing on BYU’s home court, Rice women’s basketball looked like they were right at home on Friday night’s opening round game of the WNIT. The Owls’ jumped out to a 10-0 lead, blitzing the Cougars from the first possession.

BYU got things going later in the first quarter, but Rice matched them blow for blow thanks in large part to a big day from freshman Shelby Hayes who made her first postseason appearance particularly memorable. Hayes had 10 points and four rebounds in the first half, setting the tone for the early portions of the game.

After holding BYU to 38 percent shooting in the first half, Rice turned up the pressure in the third quarter. The Owls led by as many as 13 in that frame, holding BYU to 29 percent shooting from the field, but the Cougars wouldn’t stay silent for much longer. BYU thundered back in the fourth quarter, closing within two points and forcing a Rice timeout.

BYU threatened, but never took the lead, missing a pair of three pointers in the final 20 seconds. Rice would grab the rebound and win the ensuing battle of free throws to secure the win.

Final Box | Rice 71 – BYU 67

FINAL | @RiceWBB 71 – BYU 67

The Owls are moving on! pic.twitter.com/KrMvMhflpn

— The Roost (@AtTheRoost) March 18, 2023

Key takeaway | Full Strength Owls

Rice women’s basketball did not have Destiny Jackson available in the Conference USA Tournament, and her absence was felt. Her ability to create on the offensive side of the court and drive to the basket played a significant role in the Owls’ early exit from that tournament and might help keep Rice dancing longer in their WNIT run.

The closing seconds of the first quarter served as a reminder of what Jackson brings to this team. With the clock ticking toward zero, she took on several defenders, slicing through the lane and delivering a layup, the half’s final points. Her ability to score puts the Owls’ opponents on notice and opens the door for her teammates. If Jackson is back, even in limited minutes, Rice will be dangerous going forward.

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Rice women’s basketball never trailed on Senior Day, leading wire-to-wire in a convincing victory over Charlotte at home.

There wasn’t a hint of distraction that lingered from Senior Day festivities for Rice Women’s Basketball at home against Charlotte on Saturday. The Owls scored first, scored often and never trailed on their way to their third straight win in conference play.

Destiny Jackson opened the scoring with a layup, two of just four points on the day, which showcased the Owls’ defense as much, if not more so, than their scoring ability. Rice held Charlotte to just 20 points in the first half on 32 percent shooting from the floor. The 49ers couldn’t get anything going on offense until the third quarter after the Owls had taken a 21-point lead.

Charlotte’s most concentrated run came following the final media timeout of the game. They reeled off eight straight points, but it was only good enough to trim an 18-point deficit to a 10-point hole. Rice was able to regain its footing and close the game out with relative ease.

Even when accounting for the minor fourth-quarter slump, head coach Lindsay Edmonds was proud of her team’s ability to finish and how well the program has played over the lat few weeks. “We’re really close,” Edmonds said, referring to playing their best basketball down the stretch. “We’re clicking on a lot of cylinders. Our defense has stepped up. Our offense is scoring the ball really at a really high clip. I’m excited about where we’re at, but we can keep pushing to get better.”

The victory essentially clinches a first round bye in the Conference USA Tournament. The Owls can improve their seeding next weekend in a two-game road finale against FAU and FIU, respectively.

Final Box | Rice 64 – Charlotte 52

FINAL | @RiceWBB 64 – Charlotte 52 pic.twitter.com/2iNhZIFoHk

— The Roost (@AtTheRoost) February 25, 2023

Key takeaway | For the seniors with the future

India Bellamy and Ashlee Austin have been core producers for Rice Women’s Basketball over the last few weeks. Each finished with a double-digit scoring effort on Saturday, but neither led the team. That honor went to freshman Shelby Hayes, who stole the show on Senior Day with her first career double-double.

“Shelby was awesome. She came in and gave us a spark off the bench,” Edmonds said. “She was big time on offensive rebounds. She put the ball in the basket. Shelby is just someone that does whatever it takes to make the team better and I just think that she got rewarded tonight and I’m so proud of her.”

Hayes came off the bench in relief of Bellamy, who ran into some early foul trouble, and quickly made her presence felt. Hayes scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, including a staggering 10 offensive boards. It was an impressive performance and served as a reminder that the up-and-coming wave of Owls has plenty to bring to the table, too.

Up Next: at FAU – Thursday, Mar. 2 at 6:00 p.m.